Thomas Shepherd receives Sauer Award

Shirley McGee, right, with the Community Foundation of Henderson County, presents Tom Shepherd with the Richard C. and Vina L. Sauer Charitable Leadership Award during the foundation's luncheon at Kenmure Country Club Wednesday afternoon.

Published: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 2:55 p.m.

Last Modified: Wednesday, August 13, 2014 at 2:55 p.m.

Thomas R. Shepherd, owner of Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors, is this year's recipient of the Richard C. and Vina L. Sauer Charitable Leadership Award presented by the Community Foundation of Henderson County.

The Sauer Award, presented at the foundation's annual luncheon Wednesday at Kenmure Country Club, recognizes a local philanthropist with outstanding leadership who has made significant contributions to Henderson County.

As Shirley McGee, chairwoman of the foundation's recognition committee, began describing the Sauer Award recipient's work within the county supporting the United Way, Rotary Club of Hendersonville and Flat Rock Playhouse Youth Theater, Shepherd said he was looking around the room to see who would stand to accept the award.

When McGee mentioned the recipient had hosted a fundraiser for the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, Shepherd said he suddenly realized McGee was speaking about him.

“I was surprised and a little overcome,” Shepherd said.

It was just two weeks ago that Shepherd and his wife helped the Rescue Mission host its first fundraiser.

Along with the award, Shepherd will be given the opportunity to name the charity of his choice to receive a $1,500 grant from the foundation.

“I don't think it is going to be too difficult of a choice,” Shepherd said. “We've got a fund established with the Community Foundation in memory of my sister, and we'll probably give it to them.”

Shepherd took the podium to receive his award, saying it was a humbling experience and thanking the nominating committee for considering him.

“I'll have to bring attention to everyone that the Rescue Mission effort was my wife, Melody,” Shepherd said. “…I wanted to recognize her love and support through all of these various endeavors that I have enjoyed doing through the years and without her, it would have been extremely difficult.”

<p>Thomas R. Shepherd, owner of Thos. Shepherd & Son Funeral Directors, is this year's recipient of the Richard C. and Vina L. Sauer Charitable Leadership Award presented by the Community Foundation of Henderson County.</p><p>The Sauer Award, presented at the foundation's annual luncheon Wednesday at Kenmure Country Club, recognizes a local philanthropist with outstanding leadership who has made significant contributions to Henderson County.</p><p>As Shirley McGee, chairwoman of the foundation's recognition committee, began describing the Sauer Award recipient's work within the county supporting the United Way, Rotary Club of Hendersonville and Flat Rock Playhouse Youth Theater, Shepherd said he was looking around the room to see who would stand to accept the award.</p><p>When McGee mentioned the recipient had hosted a fundraiser for the Hendersonville Rescue Mission, Shepherd said he suddenly realized McGee was speaking about him.</p><p>“I was surprised and a little overcome,” Shepherd said.</p><p>It was just two weeks ago that Shepherd and his wife helped the Rescue Mission host its first fundraiser. </p><p>Along with the award, Shepherd will be given the opportunity to name the charity of his choice to receive a $1,500 grant from the foundation. </p><p>“I don't think it is going to be too difficult of a choice,” Shepherd said. “We've got a fund established with the Community Foundation in memory of my sister, and we'll probably give it to them.”</p><p>Shepherd took the podium to receive his award, saying it was a humbling experience and thanking the nominating committee for considering him. </p><p>“I'll have to bring attention to everyone that the Rescue Mission effort was my wife, Melody,” Shepherd said. “…I wanted to recognize her love and support through all of these various endeavors that I have enjoyed doing through the years and without her, it would have been extremely difficult.”</p><p>Reach Bindewald at 694-7890 or renee.bindewald@blueridgenow.com.</p>